Sometimes You Just Need a Good Cry

June 4, 2014

Source: Megyarsh, Flickr

If you haven't heard, The Fault in Our Stars, the much-anticipated movie adaptation of John Green's fourth novel, comes out Friday. This is by far my favorite of his books to date, and one of the two movies I can't wait to see this year (the other being The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1), but then I'm a sucker for tearjerkers. My favorite books all make me cry in the end, including The Fault in Our Stars. Why? Truly great books engage you and transport you to a place where you feel a part of the story and emotionally invested in the outcomes of the characters. This is especially true in books for teens because their emotions are right on the surface and can overflow at any time. And, who couldn't use a good cry once in awhile?

Try these when you are looking for a little emotional release:

This Star Won't Go Out: The story of Esther Earl, the girl who inspired The Fault in Our Stars, chronicles her too-short life through essays by her family, friends and doctors; photographs; and her own amazing voice.BibWidget

Before I Die: With only a few months left to live, Tessa decides to complete a list of all the things she's ever wanted to do, including having sex, breaking the law and falling in love. This is an emotionally charged look at death through the eyes of the dying and the family she has created.BibWidget

If I Stay: On a cold, snowy February morning, Mia’s entire family is killed in a car accident. Thrust into a state of limbo, not quite dead but not alive, she is left with only one choice. Would you stay when everything you know is gone?BibWidget

Jellicoe Road: While leading the Underground Community in a war game against two other rival schools, Taylor uncovers the mystery behind her absent mother’s past. Told in flashbacks, this Printz Medal-winner set in rural Australia will have you guessing until the very end.BibWidget